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The graptolite nema: problem to all our solutions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

R. B. Rickards
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK

Abstract

Lack of understanding of the graptolite nema and virgula is probably the main cause of the general failure to arrive at a general mode of life theory for planktonic species. The nema and virgula are shown to be different structures. The nema may have had a rhabdosome rotational function at early growth stages; the primary function of the virgula may have been rhabdosomal rotation, whilst a secondary function was as a stipe growth guide. Rotational function would be inapplicable for pseudovirgulae and in synrhabdosomes.

Type
Rapid Communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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